A CLEAN-UP is poised to start at a disused old cokeworks site prior to redevelopment.

The former Lambton Cokeworks, on the Sunderland and Durham county boundary, between Burnmoor and Shiney Row, has remained derelict since closure in 1984.

Although ovens and other plant buildings were demolished within months, the ground is believed to suffer pollution from residues left over from coke working.

But as part of a Government-backed restoration of ex-coalfield sites, an environmental project is planned by English Partnerships in conjunction with Sunderland City Council.

The council welcomes the impending clean-up on what it believes is among the North-East's most contaminated sites.

It will pave the way towards construction of a further stretch of a proposed link road between Houghton-le-Spring and Washington, with knock-on benefits for surrounding industrial estates.

A council spokesman said: "Progress on reclamation will clear the way for development of the road project, which is currently going through the planning stage.

"As well as reducing traffic congestion, the road link will lead to the release of land for housing and the potential for job creation at Dubmire and Sedgeletch industrial estates, as well as at Rainton Bridge."

Heritage-type treatment may also be given to a well-preserved early wooden waggonway, which preceded the steam era.

It carried coal from local pits to staithes on the River Wear, but has remained relatively intact under layers of mud on the site.

Enthusiasts want to develop the waggonway as an industrial heritage-style working attraction.